Big Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler decided to play in Germany for EHC Red Bull München, according to David Minuk of Illegal Curve.
Wheeler is another sensible candidate for some solid competition during the lockout.
He’s right in the center of his prime at 26 years old, coming off the best season of his NHL career. Wheeler scored 17 goals and 64 points in 2011-12.
The American-born forward has good reason to stay sharp, whether there’s an NHL season or not. He’s in the final year of a contract that carries a $2.55 million annual cap hit; as a forward with his size, another big season could mean a handsome pay day.
Wheeler is expected to start playing with the team next week, possibly as soon as Thursday.